Multi-purpose stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
King Saud University Stadium (KSUS) (Arabic: ملعب جامعة الملك سعود, romanized: ʿmaleab Jāmiʿah al-Malik Saʿūd), known as Al-Awwal Park (Arabic: الأول بارك) due to sponsorship reasons, is a association football stadium located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In September 2020, SMC obtained the management rights for operating the stadium. In October 2020, SMC signed a deal with Al Nassr FC for the Al-Awwal Park to become their home stadium.[1]
History
The construction work on the campus of King Saud University in Western Riyadh started in Spring 2011 and the opening took place in May 2015.[citation needed] The construction work was commissioned to Hashem Contracting Company, based on designs by Michael KC Cheah and his wife Steph, expanding their architectural portfolio of Saudi-based football stadia.
Hashem Contracting Company delivered the stadium following specifications (and FIFA rules for international games) within the budget of 215 million riyals ($57m). The stadium may seem soil-brown or gold depending on the sunlight due to its perforated and metallic outer skin. Mrsool Park went through a renovation at the end of 2020 and this will continue going forward to transform it into a young and family-friendly destination with fan zones and entertainment areas for everyone to enjoy.[2]
In 2020, the stadium went through a re-branding operation becoming Mrsool Park in November 2020, following the signing with the delivery company Mrsool.[1]
In 2021, the stadium hosted the Maradona Cup between Boca Juniors and FC Barcelona to honor Diego Maradona, who died the previous year.[3]
In April 2023, the stadium was renamed Al-Awwal Park after Saudi Awwal Bank signed a $15 million sponsorship deal for the next three years.[4]
Notable matches
Events
Gallery
See also
References
24°43′45.5″N 46°37′25.3″E / 24.729306°N 46.623694°E / 24.729306; 46.623694
